Analysis of commercial satellite imagery, dated between June 6 and 9, 2026, identified that the russian Black Sea fleet was equipping KILO-class submarines with counter-UAS cages over the vessels' conning towers, the UK Defence Intelligence reports.
Read more: UK Defence Intelligence Explaines How Ukraine’s Strikes Brought New Attacks on Crimean Bridge Closer
By June 9, 2026, three of the four submarines had been fitted with the cages. It is almost certain that the remaining fourth will be fitted out in the near future.
This activity is almost certainly being conducted as a preventive measure in response to Ukraine's increasing ability to strike targets further from the front line with UAS.
As Defense Express previously reported, russia has almost certainly cancelled its flagship Navy Day parade in St. Petersburg for a second consecutive year, with intelligence pointing to persistent security concerns following successful Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside russian territory.
Read more: UK Defence Intelligence: russia Cancels Main Navy Day Parade for Second Straight Year Over Security Fears
